Roger's "Horten Ho 229 Exposed"
![Album image #1 Album image #1](/albums/img/5/5/0/153550-11453-50-720.jpg)
White Metal Landing Gear
![Album image #2 Album image #2](/albums/img/5/5/1/153551-11453-17-pristine.jpg)
Copy of Instructions to Highlight & Scribble on.
![Album image #3 Album image #3](/albums/img/5/5/2/153552-11453-93-720.jpg)
The Washing of the Sprues
![Album image #4 Album image #4](/albums/img/6/6/1/153661-11453-83-pristine.jpg)
First bit of building, did both turbine shafts together after having fan blade breakages, which will be consigned to the engine that will be closed. That's the one that's not painted, no point!
![Album image #5 Album image #5](/albums/img/9/9/2/154992-11453-63-720.jpg)
Dry fitting of all 8 Stator Blades, in the correct order!
![Album image #6 Album image #6](/albums/img/9/9/3/154993-11453-17-720.jpg)
Setting up a "tackle box" to help keep things orderly. There's 4 of each of the 8, over the 2 engines.
![Album image #7 Album image #7](/albums/img/9/9/4/154994-11453-59-pristine.jpg)
Perhaps I could substitute the Aires Jumo engines........Nah! they're 48th scale anyway!
![Album image #8 Album image #8](/albums/img/9/9/5/154995-11453-40-720.jpg)
I think I must be a bit anal about this - not content with the tackle box, I've finally found a use for Roman Numerals. My History teacher would be pleased!
![Album image #9 Album image #9](/albums/img/9/9/6/154996-11453-40-720.jpg)
It's like being on an engine line - Snip, Snip, Snip, Snip, Snip - Trim, Trim, Trim,Trim, Trim - Scrape, Scrape, Scrape - Label - Repeat x 32!!!
![Album image #10 Album image #10](/albums/img/4/6/6/155466-11453-68-720.jpg)
Lots of 'em - all painted now!
![Album image #11 Album image #11](/albums/img/4/6/7/155467-11453-70-720.jpg)
Some other sub-assemblies to do with the engines - fore and aft of the compression chambers, awaiting painting!
![Album image #12 Album image #12](/albums/img/4/6/8/155468-11453-18-720.jpg)
Horten Ho-229 Promo Art, pre-release.
![Album image #13 Album image #13](/albums/img/5/4/2/1617542-11453-77-720.jpg)
Stators & Rotors prior to assembly
![Album image #14 Album image #14](/albums/img/5/4/3/1617543-11453-41-720.jpg)
Snug fit, but they do fit........just dont try to rotate the rotor shaft
![Album image #15 Album image #15](/albums/img/5/4/4/1617544-11453-15-720.jpg)
All that work hidden - thank goodness for rubber bands
![Album image #16 Album image #16](/albums/img/5/4/1/1617541-11453-33-720.jpg)
not much to see now!
![Album image #17 Album image #17](/albums/img/7/0/9/1616709-11453-91-720.jpg)
A pre-requisite to restart the Horten is a clean, clear & organised workbench.
Who knew there was a workbench under all the S#!t I had accumulated. (no before photos - too ashamed!)
Who knew there was a workbench under all the S#!t I had accumulated. (no before photos - too ashamed!)
![Album image #18 Album image #18](/albums/img/7/1/0/1616710-11453-33-720.jpg)
All that work on the internals...................to be sealed up - Sigh!
![Album image #19 Album image #19](/albums/img/7/1/1/1616711-11453-27-720.jpg)
final 2 1/2 pieces joined on each engine -next step masking
![Album image #20 Album image #20](/albums/img/7/1/2/1616712-11453-48-720.jpg)
The rear-end
![Album image #21 Album image #21](/albums/img/7/1/3/1616713-11453-28-720.jpg)
The Front-end
![Album image #22 Album image #22](/albums/img/5/3/2/1617532-11453-36-720.jpg)
I dont think there are enough SMALL pieces in this kit for me?!?!
![Album image #23 Album image #23](/albums/img/5/3/3/1617533-11453-28-720.jpg)
But then again, this is only the 2nd step in the engine pipes section...
![Album image #24 Album image #24](/albums/img/9/4/9/1617949-11453-92-720.jpg)
Had a workbench thought - an extension to hold various round objects, and a wooden work surface for hammering, etc
30 mins carpentry....vioila, with clamps inserted ready to install
30 mins carpentry....vioila, with clamps inserted ready to install
![Album image #25 Album image #25](/albums/img/9/5/0/1617950-11453-96-720.jpg)
Installed with accessories & upside down Dremel if you canb't work that one out!!
![Album image #26 Album image #26](/albums/img/9/4/8/1617948-11453-20-720.jpg)
Revised whole work area
![Album image #27 Album image #27](/albums/img/3/4/5/1621345-11453-34-720.jpg)
Some detailed pipe painting & masking after some serious seam filling - ready for the scary bits, then un mask & re-mask.....
( I'm using some 0.7mm paint-pens, by the way - "uni POSCA" & "Sipa PAINT")
( I'm using some 0.7mm paint-pens, by the way - "uni POSCA" & "Sipa PAINT")
![Album image #28 Album image #28](/albums/img/3/4/6/1621346-11453-94-720.jpg)
More detail on the tiny pipes & such - not a lot of colour details to go on, so have added some colour licence, just to brighten up the steely pipes - the rivet counters will kill me!! !;^)}
The red is a bit too "pink" - will address that!
The red is a bit too "pink" - will address that!
![Album image #29 Album image #29](/albums/img/1/7/4/1623174-11453-92-720.jpg)
3 tiny & thin pieces to make each set of pipes
![Album image #30 Album image #30](/albums/img/1/7/6/1623176-11453-59-720.jpg)
Then painted - 3 colour pens used here - Posca gloss black 0.7mm - another black which is almost matt - then sharpie silver
![Album image #31 Album image #31](/albums/img/1/7/5/1623175-11453-49-720.jpg)
pipe sets install on the mount - one for each engine
had to scrape off some of the previously applied "pink", it now looks like gaskets!!
had to scrape off some of the previously applied "pink", it now looks like gaskets!!
![Album image #32 Album image #32](/albums/img/1/7/7/1623177-11453-57-720.jpg)
flipside - added and extra drop of glue to improve stability - the background squares are 1cm, by the way!
![Album image #33 Album image #33](/albums/img/2/8/1/1624281-11453-24-720.jpg)
Jumo's painted ready to install piping, etc.
Combination of masking & spraying x 2, Moltow Chrome pen & Silver Sharpie
Combination of masking & spraying x 2, Moltow Chrome pen & Silver Sharpie
![Album image #34 Album image #34](/albums/img/6/7/4/1624674-11453-32-720.jpg)
PIPING!! - Step 1 - please dont ask me what they're called or used for - refer to the instructions!!
![Album image #35 Album image #35](/albums/img/6/7/6/1624676-11453-89-720.jpg)
Step 2
![Album image #36 Album image #36](/albums/img/6/7/5/1624675-11453-22-720.jpg)
Step 3 - Black pipe structure added
![Album image #37 Album image #37](/albums/img/6/7/7/1624677-11453-14-720.jpg)
Step 4 - and on the other side of the motor.
I would have to say that the engineering of this kit is superb - everything fits!!!
I would have to say that the engineering of this kit is superb - everything fits!!!
![Album image #38 Album image #38](/albums/img/2/3/5/1625235-11453-33-720.jpg)
What else to do on a rainy Christmas night???
Put the piping on the other Jumo - That done, moving on to the airframe!!!
Put the piping on the other Jumo - That done, moving on to the airframe!!!
![Album image #39 Album image #39](/albums/img/1/0/1/1629101-11453-98-720.jpg)
Decided that I'm going to try to emulate the timber where it appears in the Horten - using as a guide the Marek Rys, Marek Murawski book "Horten Ho229 - Monographs in 3D" #96004 - If you can manage to get a look at it - you'd be amazed!!
I'm thinking that the lower left of the 4 wing stubs is what I'm after - Also added canvas texture to the brake chute bundle.
I'm thinking that the lower left of the 4 wing stubs is what I'm after - Also added canvas texture to the brake chute bundle.
![Album image #40 Album image #40](/albums/img/2/4/6/1630246-11453-65-720.jpg)
Looking like a spider versus stick insect at the moment
![Album image #41 Album image #41](/albums/img/1/0/0/1629100-11453-13-720.jpg)
Mounted on the main fuselage truss is the battery mount & case
![Album image #42 Album image #42](/albums/img/1/0/2/1629102-11453-72-720.jpg)
Preparing the Landing Gear Hydraulic Cylinder - kinda cute?!?!
![Album image #43 Album image #43](/albums/img/2/4/1/1630241-11453-55-pristine.jpg)
close up on the brake chute
![Album image #44 Album image #44](/albums/img/2/4/2/1630242-11453-99-720.jpg)
continuing the "fake Timber" development
![Album image #45 Album image #45](/albums/img/2/4/4/1630244-11453-38-720.jpg)
The spider - from right-rear
![Album image #46 Album image #46](/albums/img/2/4/3/1630243-11453-74-720.jpg)
adding bits to the spider (close up)
![Album image #47 Album image #47](/albums/img/2/4/5/1630245-11453-39-720.jpg)
spider - from left-rear
![Album image #48 Album image #48](/albums/img/3/4/2/1630342-11453-33-720.jpg)
Working from reference books is very helpful.....
Unless you look at them in too much detail.....
Unless you look at them in too much detail.....
![Album image #49 Album image #49](/albums/img/3/4/1/1630341-11453-63-720.jpg)
Being in 1/32 scale, allows you to do so much detail...............................yeah, I should get a life!!!
![Album image #50 Album image #50](/albums/img/9/0/1/1630901-11453-54-720.jpg)
Looking more like an airframe. . . . . .. . . . No, not really!?!?
![Album image #51 Album image #51](/albums/img/6/7/1/1632671-11453-23-720.jpg)
Adding "after-market" detail - metal MG Barrels.
Careful removal olf existing barrels, then exact centering for new barrels
Careful removal olf existing barrels, then exact centering for new barrels
![Album image #52 Album image #52](/albums/img/6/7/3/1632673-11453-55-720.jpg)
Like so - then etch-primed the barrels, prior to painting with "Gun Metal"
![Album image #53 Album image #53](/albums/img/6/7/2/1632672-11453-58-720.jpg)
All "between-deck" components (linkages & stays) in place - lots of fiddly manouvres & connections
![Album image #54 Album image #54](/albums/img/6/7/4/1632674-11453-25-720.jpg)
Close-up of this mess
![Album image #55 Album image #55](/albums/img/6/7/5/1632675-11453-34-720.jpg)
Clearer view of central linkages
![Album image #56 Album image #56](/albums/img/7/1/2/1634712-11453-92-720.jpg)
MK103's and Magazines in place - attachment points seem a bit flimsy, until the final connection (outside of the frame) of the ammo chute between magazine & MG. - I continue to be impressed by the quality engineering of this kit!!
![Album image #57 Album image #57](/albums/img/7/1/3/1634713-11453-41-720.jpg)
Preparing the Heat shields that sit under the engines - I was going to have them "smoke" coloured, rather than the specified Black, just to continue my "Visible Horten" theme, but wasn't happy with the smokiness, so stripped them and just outlined them instead.
![Album image #58 Album image #58](/albums/img/7/1/5/1634715-11453-24-720.jpg)
Jet engines mounted in bottom frame - have to be very careful with stay, pipes, mounts, etc
![Album image #59 Album image #59](/albums/img/7/1/6/1634716-11453-19-720.jpg)
The engine heat shields are only mounted in 2 rear points each, and the engines sit so well in the shields that I haven't glued them in place.
![Album image #60 Album image #60](/albums/img/7/1/4/1634714-11453-40-720.jpg)
Now to matching top frame to bottom, here showing the unpainted item.
![Album image #61 Album image #61](/albums/img/7/1/7/1634717-11453-55-720.jpg)
There are 40 attachment points between the top frame & the airframe!!!!
![Album image #62 Album image #62](/albums/img/6/4/5/1636645-11453-22-720.jpg)
There are NOT 40 glue-points - more like 50 - I have created this composite photo to illustrate better...
![Album image #63 Album image #63](/albums/img/6/3/8/1636638-11453-29-720.jpg)
Ever thought of using PE to replace the kits' cockpit details?? Here's the YAHU Models replacement.
The Yahu product is great, but the instructions are..........NOT - Have to remove the existing detail first
The Yahu product is great, but the instructions are..........NOT - Have to remove the existing detail first
![Album image #64 Album image #64](/albums/img/6/4/3/1636643-11453-58-720.jpg)
Making sure every part of the dash was glued to the backboard
![Album image #65 Album image #65](/albums/img/6/4/1/1636641-11453-45-720.jpg)
Then glue the Yahu in place - Superb end result
![Album image #66 Album image #66](/albums/img/6/3/9/1636639-11453-92-720.jpg)
Same with the side panels, but here I used the Z-M (Eduard) PE - Two layers to glue on
![Album image #67 Album image #67](/albums/img/6/4/0/1636640-11453-72-720.jpg)
and on the other side - Two layers to glue on
![Album image #68 Album image #68](/albums/img/6/4/2/1636642-11453-88-720.jpg)
Tried the PE pedals, which fit very nicely around the pilot's boots - don't quite know how I'm going to do up the buckles in side the cockpit????.............. solution! I cut off the buckle straps!
![Album image #69 Album image #69](/albums/img/6/4/4/1636644-11453-35-720.jpg)
Pilots after initial painting - Metallic Blue , White, Brown POSCA paint-pens.
![Album image #70 Album image #70](/albums/img/5/6/1/1637561-11453-56-720.jpg)
Broke a part today - have to say that this part was under-engineered - when fitting PE pedals.
Had to resort to some "Bugatti" repair skills - should be OK!!!
Had to resort to some "Bugatti" repair skills - should be OK!!!
![Album image #71 Album image #71](/albums/img/5/4/6/1639546-11453-45-720.jpg)
Cockpit frame assembly - a bit fiddly and awkward as you have to do it in the airframe between the engines. Cant assemble it outside then move it in.
![Album image #72 Album image #72](/albums/img/5/4/7/1639547-11453-93-720.jpg)
pedals in situe.
![Album image #73 Album image #73](/albums/img/5/4/5/1639545-11453-86-720.jpg)
decided to replace the canopy rails as the plastic ones were very thin (1mm) and pretty flimsy. various tests trying to get the bend right. finally used sidecutters as the vise to get the end sharp enough. Also used 1mm s/steel pipe with 0.6mm bronze core to get a shaper bend.
![Album image #74 Album image #74](/albums/img/5/4/8/1639548-11453-59-720.jpg)
in place - gonna leave these as is - no paint for now - also the dash is now installed
![Album image #75 Album image #75](/albums/img/5/4/9/1639549-11453-76-720.jpg)
front view
![Album image #76 Album image #76](/albums/img/5/5/0/1639550-11453-22-720.jpg)
does anyone els have problems with gluing 2 pieces of enamelled PE together - 2nd time the face has come off this panel, using a thicker CA this time.
![Album image #77 Album image #77](/albums/img/5/5/1/1639551-11453-29-720.jpg)
More of the cockpit in place
![Album image #78 Album image #78](/albums/img/5/5/2/1639552-11453-21-720.jpg)
Control column in place
![Album image #79 Album image #79](/albums/img/5/5/3/1639553-11453-72-720.jpg)
Oil tank in place - meant to look like the unpainted resin/fibre it was made from
![Album image #80 Album image #80](/albums/img/0/3/8/1643038-11453-34-720.jpg)
This is the front wheel hydraulic assembly, which connect to the FW trailing arm, and a key point in the airframe.
'I RECKON' this part should have been installed earlier in the instructions.......
'I RECKON' this part should have been installed earlier in the instructions.......
![Album image #81 Album image #81](/albums/img/0/3/9/1643039-11453-19-720.jpg)
Here's the upside-down airframe, with the rear wheels almost complete & in place, and the "HUGE" front wheel test fitted in place.
![Album image #82 Album image #82](/albums/img/0/4/0/1643040-11453-87-720.jpg)
Here's a top view of the airframe circling where the FW hydraulic arm connects - you can clearly see there's a proper place for it....
![Album image #83 Album image #83](/albums/img/0/3/7/1643037-11453-59-720.jpg)
Withe the Front Wheel gear removed, here's where the FW hydraulic arm goes.........
![Album image #84 Album image #84](/albums/img/0/3/6/1643036-11453-78-720.jpg)
Closer.........way back there!!!!
Need to think about this some more!!!
Need to think about this some more!!!
![Album image #85 Album image #85](/albums/img/2/8/1/1650281-11453-82-720.jpg)
There it is - IN!!
![Album image #86 Album image #86](/albums/img/2/8/2/1650282-11453-88-720.jpg)
Not a lot to see for all that fiddling
![Album image #87 Album image #87](/albums/img/2/8/3/1650283-11453-21-720.jpg)
Not much to see up here either
![Album image #88 Album image #88](/albums/img/2/8/7/1650287-11453-38-720.jpg)
The bottom the bydraulic arm connects here - sorry about the blur
![Album image #89 Album image #89](/albums/img/2/8/6/1650286-11453-60-720.jpg)
rear gear being CA glued & clamped with SMS fine reverse tweezers
![Album image #90 Album image #90](/albums/img/2/8/4/1650284-11453-98-720.jpg)
Now on its wheels - lets see how the front body fits - this had better work.....
it did - happy with that test fit
it did - happy with that test fit
![Album image #91 Album image #91](/albums/img/2/8/5/1650285-11453-55-720.jpg)
Even the modified MG's fit where they should
![Album image #92 Album image #92](/albums/img/2/7/5/1650275-11453-92-720.jpg)
How to fit the pilot into that seat
![Album image #93 Album image #93](/albums/img/2/7/6/1650276-11453-70-720.jpg)
I reckon he's 1/28th scale - he's too big! too wide, too tall!
![Album image #94 Album image #94](/albums/img/2/7/9/1650279-11453-62-720.jpg)
Had to take so much off with my knife that he started bleeding!!!
![Album image #95 Album image #95](/albums/img/2/8/0/1650280-11453-14-720.jpg)
He bled everywhere!!
![Album image #96 Album image #96](/albums/img/2/7/7/1650277-11453-15-720.jpg)
took 90 minutes of shaving & test fitting to get to this pose
![Album image #97 Album image #97](/albums/img/2/7/8/1650278-11453-39-720.jpg)
and I'm happy with that!! - this was my final test fit using plasticene - some repainting required, after I clean up all that blood!!!
![Album image #98 Album image #98](/albums/img/2/7/9/1664279-11453-14-720.jpg)
I'm wanting to keep the body mainly clear, however the ejector pin marks are alarmingly LARGE here - must work out a way to remove these discretely.... Disappointing though!!
![Album image #99 Album image #99](/albums/img/2/7/8/1664278-11453-12-720.jpg)
The 'fuselage' body parts - each piece of masking tape indicates where I am going to "timberise" the panels.... new word, but I'm sure you get my drift...(wood) - sorry , poor pun!
![Album image #100 Album image #100](/albums/img/2/7/7/1664277-11453-27-720.jpg)
Back on Photo 73, I mentioned that I'd replaced the canopy rails with metal - This isn't the reason why, but I'm taking advantage of that change - here are the "wheel" that the canopy runs along.........................hmmmmm
![Album image #101 Album image #101](/albums/img/2/8/0/1664280-11453-70-720.jpg)
Into the tiny DSPIAE vice, perfect for this sized work - I'm wanting to remove the "wheel", but keep the mounts either side
![Album image #102 Album image #102](/albums/img/2/8/2/1664282-11453-91-720.jpg)
There you go - some fine razor saw cutting and minute knife work
![Album image #103 Album image #103](/albums/img/2/8/1/1664281-11453-71-720.jpg)
Have you ever tried manouevring a magnet into place with metal tweezers - bloody hell!!
Even worse when you get some superglue involved - anyway - done
Even worse when you get some superglue involved - anyway - done
![Album image #104 Album image #104](/albums/img/2/8/3/1664283-11453-61-720.jpg)
A little easier doing the 2 forward "wheels" on the canopy.
This SHOULD enable the canopy to be placed in any position, and stay there - I do also need to convert the centre rear canopy rail to metal......Didn't really plan ahead on this bit!!
This SHOULD enable the canopy to be placed in any position, and stay there - I do also need to convert the centre rear canopy rail to metal......Didn't really plan ahead on this bit!!
![Album image #105 Album image #105](/albums/img/6/6/0/1664660-11453-17-720.jpg)
and it actually works!!
![Album image #106 Album image #106](/albums/img/6/6/1/1664661-11453-73-720.jpg)
Both sides!! - I will add some extra timber detail alongside the rails which will help to keep the canopy "on the tracks", along with the rear rail conversion to metal.
![Album image #107 Album image #107](/albums/img/9/0/7/1668907-11453-23-720.jpg)
This is the centre rail for the rear-canopy-wheel to run along - to be removed!!
![Album image #108 Album image #108](/albums/img/9/0/6/1668906-11453-17-720.jpg)
Starting the cuts at the rear of the centre rail
![Album image #109 Album image #109](/albums/img/9/0/9/1668909-11453-83-720.jpg)
The rail removed, I drilled a 1.0mm hole into the cross-member, to accept the new metal rail.
Black markings to be painted & excess glue to be scraped off too - this is at 4x magnification
Black markings to be painted & excess glue to be scraped off too - this is at 4x magnification
![Album image #110 Album image #110](/albums/img/9/0/8/1668908-11453-15-720.jpg)
Rear of the new rail glued in place, fitting in between the existing braces.
Again, cleanup required to neaten everything
Again, cleanup required to neaten everything
![Album image #111 Album image #111](/albums/img/9/1/0/1668910-11453-59-720.jpg)
side view of the canopy frame sitting on all 3 rails - arrows point to magnet-wheels
![Album image #112 Album image #112](/albums/img/9/1/1/1668911-11453-16-720.jpg)
I mentioned earlier that I would use timber to contain the rails - then thought that perhaps the front bodywork might help.
In fact the edges of the front bodywork do exactly what I want - might detail that in timber colouring ??
In fact the edges of the front bodywork do exactly what I want - might detail that in timber colouring ??
![Album image #113 Album image #113](/albums/img/9/1/2/1668912-11453-51-720.jpg)
see-thru view showing the rear magnet-wheel sitting on the centre rail.
The canopy frame slides nicely along the rails - NO - I won't be motorizing it!!!
The canopy frame slides nicely along the rails - NO - I won't be motorizing it!!!
![Album image #114 Album image #114](/albums/img/5/5/1/1673551-11453-20-720.jpg)
With the front body in place, treated the edges to a faux-timber look as in the real aircraft - this also contains the canopy as it slide to & fro on its magnets
![Album image #115 Album image #115](/albums/img/5/5/3/1673553-11453-14-720.jpg)
Started creating templates using tracing paper - a bit clumsy...
![Album image #116 Album image #116](/albums/img/5/5/2/1673552-11453-97-720.jpg)
then used a mix of masking tape & tracing paper - still clumsy
![Album image #117 Album image #117](/albums/img/5/5/4/1673554-11453-54-720.jpg)
switched to just using masking tape, initially drawing on that & then cutting it out...
![Album image #118 Album image #118](/albums/img/5/5/5/1673555-11453-18-720.jpg)
Final solution is to just tape all the areas to be timbered and cut them into sections using the panel-lines as cutting guides.
The cut is IN the panel line, so not visible........so long as you're vewwy, vewwy careful!!!
The cut is IN the panel line, so not visible........so long as you're vewwy, vewwy careful!!!
![Album image #119 Album image #119](/albums/img/5/5/6/1673556-11453-47-720.jpg)
All the wing surfaces taped up ready to template.
Thank goodness for 50mm masking tape!!!! (I have plenty of tape!!!) !;^)}
Thank goodness for 50mm masking tape!!!! (I have plenty of tape!!!) !;^)}
![Album image #120 Album image #120](/albums/img/5/6/4/1673564-11453-56-720.jpg)
A brief glimpse of my work in progress......hmmmmm??!?!?!?!
![Album image #121 Album image #121](/albums/img/5/8/5/1675585-11453-48-720.jpg)
Nose-piece decals completed - top view
![Album image #122 Album image #122](/albums/img/5/8/6/1675586-11453-51-720.jpg)
bottom view
![Album image #123 Album image #123](/albums/img/5/8/7/1675587-11453-15-720.jpg)
Marking out the wings for decalling - and yes, there's 2 more of these
![Album image #124 Album image #124](/albums/img/5/8/8/1675588-11453-40-720.jpg)
Middle bottom fuselage decals completed - 7 on each side
![Album image #125 Album image #125](/albums/img/5/8/9/1675589-11453-38-720.jpg)
Rear bottom fuselage decals completed - some decent curvature in the middle!!
Focus could have been better, sorry
Focus could have been better, sorry
![Album image #126 Album image #126](/albums/img/5/9/0/1675590-11453-18-720.jpg)
One of Four wing surfaces decalled - took around 2.5hrs - that makes 7.5hrs to go....................to go MAD!!
![Album image #127 Album image #127](/albums/img/2/9/1/1680291-11453-60-720.jpg)
a refeernce spread from the book I'm using, just to give you an idea of what's ahead...
The book is "monographs Special Edition in 3D #4 - Horten Ho 229 - by Marek Rys & Marek J. Murawski"
Worth a good look, if you can locate it...
The book is "monographs Special Edition in 3D #4 - Horten Ho 229 - by Marek Rys & Marek J. Murawski"
Worth a good look, if you can locate it...
![Album image #128 Album image #128](/albums/img/2/8/7/1680287-11453-24-pristine.jpg)
Wing spar completed, painted pale timber, then 2 other "wood" colours to get what I want - now attached to the wing butt bracket
![Album image #129 Album image #129](/albums/img/2/8/8/1680288-11453-45-720.jpg)
playing with the colouring of the fibreglass fueal tanks & control arms/links
![Album image #130 Album image #130](/albums/img/2/9/2/1680292-11453-26-720.jpg)
Wing spar with almost-finished tanks
![Album image #131 Album image #131](/albums/img/2/8/9/1680289-11453-17-720.jpg)
Completed Right wing top view
![Album image #132 Album image #132](/albums/img/2/9/0/1680290-11453-27-720.jpg)
Bottom view - now to do the Left wing & get it to look the same.... just avoiding wood-grain decal time, can't you tell!!
![Album image #133 Album image #133](/albums/img/9/7/4/1682974-11453-98-720.jpg)
Decided that the clear plastic pins meant to hold the wings in place would be too fiddly & not robust enough...
SO, this is the final iteration of the replacement parts - 1.5mm copper pipe, tapped at each end to 1.0m, to hold 1.0m bolts, with washers as the bolt heads are a bit small. The 4 top plastic pins have been turned into covers and glued to the upper fuselage cover.
SO, this is the final iteration of the replacement parts - 1.5mm copper pipe, tapped at each end to 1.0m, to hold 1.0m bolts, with washers as the bolt heads are a bit small. The 4 top plastic pins have been turned into covers and glued to the upper fuselage cover.
![Album image #134 Album image #134](/albums/img/9/7/5/1682975-11453-76-720.jpg)
brass pipe just poking through
![Album image #135 Album image #135](/albums/img/9/7/7/1682977-11453-73-720.jpg)
Bottom bolts going in
![Album image #136 Album image #136](/albums/img/9/7/8/1682978-11453-13-720.jpg)
ALL Bottom bolts IN
![Album image #137 Album image #137](/albums/img/9/7/9/1682979-11453-99-720.jpg)
almost ready to fly off the workbench
![Album image #138 Album image #138](/albums/img/9/8/0/1682980-11453-62-720.jpg)
Will be displayed on this lovely round mirror, thanks to Harry Edmond
![Album image #139 Album image #139](/albums/img/9/8/1/1682981-11453-37-720.jpg)
and from the back
![Album image #140 Album image #140](/albums/img/1/3/2/1685132-11453-32-720.jpg)
Still progressing on the wood-grain decal work, trying to be as random in the timber-pattern decals as possible.
Very slow work having to be very precise with the panel placement between panel lines.
Very slow work having to be very precise with the panel placement between panel lines.
![Album image #141 Album image #141](/albums/img/1/3/1/1685131-11453-47-720.jpg)
I'd had 3 magnet pairs holding the fuselage top to the airframe, but that left a gap where the rear of the fuselage panels should meet. As I DON'T want to glue this down I improved the fit of the bottom panel & installed 2 more magnet pairs to pull it together. (circled to show their whereabouts - had to manufacture mounts for the back 2)
![Album image #142 Album image #142](/albums/img/1/3/3/1685133-11453-33-720.jpg)
Side view show that it's just about right - I think I might leave "well-enough" alone.
Now free to work on the upper panel wood-grain.
Now free to work on the upper panel wood-grain.
![Album image #143 Album image #143](/albums/img/9/7/0/1693970-11453-88-720.jpg)
Been having many problems with these Uschi wood-grain decals "silvering" - I've tried drenching them with every decal product know to man, well, me anyway! and no success - must be something I'm missing.?????????
![Album image #144 Album image #144](/albums/img/9/7/1/1693971-11453-24-720.jpg)
It's weird, coz it's random - no pattern to it.....
![Album image #145 Album image #145](/albums/img/9/7/2/1693972-11453-68-720.jpg)
Time for a diversion, as I noticed that the cockpit glazing and framing had come adrift - 7 clamps & several days later!!
![Album image #146 Album image #146](/albums/img/9/6/9/1693969-11453-52-720.jpg)
For my next attempt at decalling this wood-grain, I decided to remove all the templates from the upper fuselage - now there's 40 minutes I won't get back!!
"Stan realized now which had stuck him like a smacker oh blurred
He never focused before...." or in Simpson's lingo "D'oh"!!!
So I have now painted the target surface with "Future" - remembering that "Decals must be on a gloss surface" debate.....
"Stan realized now which had stuck him like a smacker oh blurred
He never focused before...." or in Simpson's lingo "D'oh"!!!
So I have now painted the target surface with "Future" - remembering that "Decals must be on a gloss surface" debate.....
![Album image #147 Album image #147](/albums/img/4/8/4/1695484-11453-21-720.jpg)
Now, to get these decals OFF!! - Research suggests that hot water & detergent will do the job...
![Album image #148 Album image #148](/albums/img/4/8/3/1695483-11453-97-720.jpg)
Practise suggests that the research was right - although its by no means a speedy process - lots of refills of hot (straight out of the tap HOT) and plenty of detergent - all promoted by scrubbing with a fine short-bristled brush - I cut down a cheap one!!!
![Album image #149 Album image #149](/albums/img/9/7/3/1693973-11453-67-720.jpg)
Also, as owners of this kit will know - the outer surface of the clear parts appears frosted, because the surface is minisculedly dimpled. - Hence, "Silvering"!!! - Geez, I hope I'm right on this...........and Geez again, so many decals to redo!!!
![Album image #150 Album image #150](/albums/img/0/0/2/1701002-11453-91-720.jpg)
Ready to go - All the upper fuselage templates placed on various timber grains...
![Album image #151 Album image #151](/albums/img/0/0/4/1701004-11453-76-720.jpg)
Upper fuselage wood-grain decals finished - all seem to show the same (Good!) level of adhesion!
![Album image #152 Album image #152](/albums/img/0/0/3/1701003-11453-88-720.jpg)
Next to redo the templates for the 4 wing surfaces - 1 of 4..
![Album image #153 Album image #153](/albums/img/0/0/5/1701005-11453-95-720.jpg)
4 of 4 done (over a couple of days) including breaking out the hatches
![Album image #154 Album image #154](/albums/img/0/0/6/1701006-11453-26-720.jpg)
Getting ready to remove the templates from the wings, and transferring them onto tracing paper.
I dont want them to be on the decals too long, as I have seem some lifting of the decal details where the masks have been on too long.
I dont want them to be on the decals too long, as I have seem some lifting of the decal details where the masks have been on too long.
![Album image #155 Album image #155](/albums/img/0/0/7/1701007-11453-33-720.jpg)
Voila - 1 complete wing done - systematically!!
![Album image #156 Album image #156](/albums/img/0/0/8/1701008-11453-14-720.jpg)
Then the other wing.
![Album image #157 Album image #157](/albums/img/0/0/9/1701009-11453-33-720.jpg)
Voila!
Now to "Future" the wing surfaces.... and I will be able to make a start on wood-grain selection while they dry...
Now to "Future" the wing surfaces.... and I will be able to make a start on wood-grain selection while they dry...
![Album image #158 Album image #158](/albums/img/9/0/1/1704901-11453-45-720.jpg)
First fit on the display I'm planning to use - USB Power bank powered, plus battery in a carousel base. Motion sensing lights....which are great, except when the carousel is rotating......
![Album image #159 Album image #159](/albums/img/9/0/2/1704902-11453-63-720.jpg)
Fitted the pilot's windscreen and was absolutely amazed of the fit of this Zoukei-Mura kit, here shown with the canopy fully closed, and the nose piece "push-fitted".
![Album image #160 Album image #160](/albums/img/9/0/3/1704903-11453-23-720.jpg)
Another view to show how good this fits . . . . . .however, it highlights something else I've been unsure of - The nose piece and canopy "wood-grain" decals are quite silvery...................OFF with them!!
![Album image #161 Album image #161](/albums/img/9/0/4/1704904-11453-83-720.jpg)
Here's the canopy AFTER "FUTURE"ing and reapplication of really bold wood-grain decal.
That's Better!!
That's Better!!
![Album image #162 Album image #162](/albums/img/9/0/5/1704905-11453-69-720.jpg)
Another view, showing the ebenefit of FUTURE on the glazing and the wood grain.
![Album image #163 Album image #163](/albums/img/9/0/6/1704906-11453-95-720.jpg)
So let's strip the nose piece too.
I used this Levelling Thinner & it works a treat without damaging the surface.
I used this Levelling Thinner & it works a treat without damaging the surface.
![Album image #164 Album image #164](/albums/img/9/0/7/1704907-11453-65-720.jpg)
New decal templates prepared (on the nose-piece) and ready to apply to the wood-grain decal sheet, AFTER I FUTURE the parts of the nose piece.
![Album image #165 Album image #165](/albums/img/6/8/1/1707681-11453-20-720.jpg)
Somewhere during my cockpit canopy build I left some excess glue on the front-left corner of the "glass". My thinking was that a coat of "FUTURE" would disguise this later on. - I was wrong, so it was time to fix that. After many minutes of chiselling to remove the glob, then gently smoothing the are with all 3 levels of Tamiya polish....
![Album image #166 Album image #166](/albums/img/6/8/2/1707682-11453-42-720.jpg)
It's not perfect, at least under x3 magnification, but I think it will do!! Now back to those decals - the finished canopy here is after 2 coats of Future, bolder wood-grain decal, then a coat of MicroSol Satin Finish.
![Album image #167 Album image #167](/albums/img/7/1/7/1713717-11453-61-720.jpg)
Left Lower wing fully decalled with wood-grain - I decided to break-out the hatches and accentuate them with a "dome" of future.
The "windows" to the soul of the Horten, so to speak!!
The "windows" to the soul of the Horten, so to speak!!
![Album image #168 Album image #168](/albums/img/7/1/8/1713718-11453-59-720.jpg)
Left Upper wing get the safe treatment - will be brushing on a clear Satin finish when I'm done decalling the Right Wing.
![Album image #169 Album image #169](/albums/img/7/1/9/1713719-11453-78-720.jpg)
it may look a mess, but there is a system - * transfer the masking tape panel shape template on to the most appropriate wood-grain template - * cut out the decal around the masking tape - * label the back of the decal with the same number as the template - gently remove the masking tape from the decal & tape the decal upside down on the wing plan with the masking tape template.
What could go wrong???
What could go wrong???
![Album image #170 Album image #170](/albums/img/3/2/1/1723321-11453-13-720.jpg)
On a rough "stand", looking more like a Gundam, preparing to fit Air Brakes
![Album image #171 Album image #171](/albums/img/3/1/8/1723318-11453-44-720.jpg)
Tipped over for a better angle
![Album image #172 Album image #172](/albums/img/3/1/7/1723317-11453-27-720.jpg)
RHS Airbrakes in place
![Album image #173 Album image #173](/albums/img/3/1/9/1723319-11453-42-720.jpg)
LHS Airbrakes in place
![Album image #174 Album image #174](/albums/img/3/2/0/1723320-11453-24-720.jpg)
External view of deployed Airbrakes, from the rear
![Album image #175 Album image #175](/albums/img/3/2/2/1723322-11453-67-720.jpg)
Found a large aircraft Jig, so putting that to good use
![Album image #176 Album image #176](/albums/img/3/2/3/1723323-11453-50-720.jpg)
Shaving off the excess decals on the inside of the lower wing 1/2
![Album image #177 Album image #177](/albums/img/3/2/4/1723324-11453-67-720.jpg)
Initial clamping to hold skin in place while gluing
![Album image #178 Album image #178](/albums/img/3/2/5/1723325-11453-98-720.jpg)
latter clamping - gotta love the old clothes pegs
![Album image #179 Album image #179](/albums/img/8/7/4/1731874-11453-81-720.jpg)
I can't believe how small these lights are
![Album image #180 Album image #180](/albums/img/8/7/5/1731875-11453-52-720.jpg)
and fitted
![Album image #181 Album image #181](/albums/img/8/7/6/1731876-11453-43-720.jpg)
and the RED one
![Album image #182 Album image #182](/albums/img/8/7/8/1731878-11453-85-720.jpg)
and fitted
![Album image #183 Album image #183](/albums/img/8/7/7/1731877-11453-51-720.jpg)
Penultimate photos on a small carousel
![Album image #184 Album image #184](/albums/img/8/7/9/1731879-11453-58-720.jpg)
![Album image #185 Album image #185](/albums/img/8/8/0/1731880-11453-92-720.jpg)
![Album image #186 Album image #186](/albums/img/8/8/1/1731881-11453-17-720.jpg)
![Album image #187 Album image #187](/albums/img/8/8/2/1731882-11453-91-720.jpg)
![Album image #188 Album image #188](/albums/img/8/8/3/1731883-11453-15-720.jpg)
![Album image #189 Album image #189](/albums/img/8/8/4/1731884-11453-39-720.jpg)
![Album image #190 Album image #190](/albums/img/8/8/5/1731885-11453-95-720.jpg)
![Album image #191 Album image #191](/albums/img/8/8/6/1731886-11453-97-720.jpg)
![Album image #192 Album image #192](/albums/img/8/8/7/1731887-11453-48-720.jpg)
![Album image #193 Album image #193](/albums/img/8/8/8/1731888-11453-22-720.jpg)
and with the canopy closed!!! it can be positionedanywhere thanks to the steel rails & magnets
By the way, I had to abandon the magnetic wing tops - became too much of a headache - so all glued on!
By the way, I had to abandon the magnetic wing tops - became too much of a headache - so all glued on!
Commentaires
62 26 December 2014, 12:19
![](/profiles/img/11453-615-s.jpg)
about to get back into this one - strewth - 7 years away from it!!
23 November 2023, 09:54
![](/profiles/img/21997-347-s.jpg)
What a project - watching!
Do you know Chloe Plattner from Vienna? She has build some of the Horten planes plated with real wood. Here some links:
archive.aeroscale.net/features/3529/index.htm
imodeler.com/2018/03..delling-in-vienna-3/ (scroll down a bit to two pics)
10 January, 21:33
![](/profiles/img/11453-615-s.jpg)
Wow! bughunter! Those Hortens are fantastic!! - I can see the similarities in internal construction in the 6-engined version.
I had thought of using some "real wood" in my kit - I think I need to add more timber detail that the kit doesn't include.
Stay tuned......
10 January, 23:07
![](/profiles/img/21997-347-s.jpg)
Great work with a impressive amount of kit parts!
Regarding picture 76 and your question: I think a glue like Micro Kristal Klear (Microscale MI-9, No) is an option. It is like wood glue, stays flexible after it dried and it looks like glass on the instruments (in the holes of the upper layer).
28 January, 08:16
![](/profiles/img/11453-615-s.jpg)
Thanks Bughunter for your thoughts - I think I solved it by scraping away the enamel on the back piece, so then gluing metal to metal.
There's still an impressive amount of kit parts to go.... all the wings internals, fuel tanks, controls & piping - then the skin everywhere!!!
I'm loving it though - the engineering of this kit is top class!
28 January, 12:43
![](/profiles/img/64707-255-s.jpg)
Just amazing....it was like a visit into your world and a spectacular build...all in one....
12 March, 09:51
![](/profiles/img/106289-364-s.jpg)
Fantastic work! Much more then I plan to put into mine. I guess I'm just a sucker for the German camo on the plane, looking like it's ready to go into battle. Not a fan of the frosted glass panels on the aircraft kit.
7 May, 13:06
![](/profiles/img/27930-203-s.jpg)
Thanks for your enthusiastic comments, folks. - just over 4 weeks to EXPO entry! - no more photos here until after the final reveal..... Yep, there's more to come...
7 May, 22:18
Album info
Restarted late in 2023 after a 4 year delay - my brain!
Why am I making this MORE difficult???
Yahoo - She's finished!!